Prospective surveillance with bioimpedance spectroscopy to guide early treatment of breast cancer related lymphoedema
Association of Breast Surgery ePoster Library. McGuinness E. 05/15/17; 166262; P128
Ms. Etain McGuinness
REGULAR CONTENT
Login now to access Regular content available to all registered users.
Abstract
Rate & Comment (0)
Introduction
Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer treatment are at risk of developing upper limb lymphoedema. Early detection and initiation of treatment can reduce the incidence of clinically significant disease. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measures opposition to flow of electrical current in the upper limb, an indicator of increased extracellular fluid volume. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of lymphoedema identified by BIS using a prospective surveillance model and the effects of early treatment on patient outcomes.
Methods
Retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer, from 2008-2013 were included. BIS measurements were recorded pre-operatively and at 3monthly intervals for one year. An abnormal reading instigated treatment with a compression sleeve, massage and exercise, regardless of clinical signs. Patients with continual abnormal BIS readings or development of clinical signs were referred to lymphoedema services.
Results
354 patients were included in the final analysis. 10.7% (n=38) of patients had an abnormal BIS reading indicating early lymphoedema whilst 6.5%(n=23) of patients required referral to specialist lymphoedema services. 75%(n=18) of patients referred to lymphoedema services had been initially identified by BIS. 58.8%(n=20) of patients who underwent early treatment did not require any long term management for lymphoedema.
Conclusions
Abnormal BIS is a significant predictor for development of subsequent lymphoedema. This can be utilised in a prospective surveillance model, to direct early therapy. Whilst this does not completely negate the incidence of lymphoedema requiring specialist treatment, it can potentially be reduced.
Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer treatment are at risk of developing upper limb lymphoedema. Early detection and initiation of treatment can reduce the incidence of clinically significant disease. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measures opposition to flow of electrical current in the upper limb, an indicator of increased extracellular fluid volume. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of lymphoedema identified by BIS using a prospective surveillance model and the effects of early treatment on patient outcomes.
Methods
Retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer, from 2008-2013 were included. BIS measurements were recorded pre-operatively and at 3monthly intervals for one year. An abnormal reading instigated treatment with a compression sleeve, massage and exercise, regardless of clinical signs. Patients with continual abnormal BIS readings or development of clinical signs were referred to lymphoedema services.
Results
354 patients were included in the final analysis. 10.7% (n=38) of patients had an abnormal BIS reading indicating early lymphoedema whilst 6.5%(n=23) of patients required referral to specialist lymphoedema services. 75%(n=18) of patients referred to lymphoedema services had been initially identified by BIS. 58.8%(n=20) of patients who underwent early treatment did not require any long term management for lymphoedema.
Conclusions
Abnormal BIS is a significant predictor for development of subsequent lymphoedema. This can be utilised in a prospective surveillance model, to direct early therapy. Whilst this does not completely negate the incidence of lymphoedema requiring specialist treatment, it can potentially be reduced.
Introduction
Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer treatment are at risk of developing upper limb lymphoedema. Early detection and initiation of treatment can reduce the incidence of clinically significant disease. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measures opposition to flow of electrical current in the upper limb, an indicator of increased extracellular fluid volume. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of lymphoedema identified by BIS using a prospective surveillance model and the effects of early treatment on patient outcomes.
Methods
Retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer, from 2008-2013 were included. BIS measurements were recorded pre-operatively and at 3monthly intervals for one year. An abnormal reading instigated treatment with a compression sleeve, massage and exercise, regardless of clinical signs. Patients with continual abnormal BIS readings or development of clinical signs were referred to lymphoedema services.
Results
354 patients were included in the final analysis. 10.7% (n=38) of patients had an abnormal BIS reading indicating early lymphoedema whilst 6.5%(n=23) of patients required referral to specialist lymphoedema services. 75%(n=18) of patients referred to lymphoedema services had been initially identified by BIS. 58.8%(n=20) of patients who underwent early treatment did not require any long term management for lymphoedema.
Conclusions
Abnormal BIS is a significant predictor for development of subsequent lymphoedema. This can be utilised in a prospective surveillance model, to direct early therapy. Whilst this does not completely negate the incidence of lymphoedema requiring specialist treatment, it can potentially be reduced.
Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer treatment are at risk of developing upper limb lymphoedema. Early detection and initiation of treatment can reduce the incidence of clinically significant disease. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) measures opposition to flow of electrical current in the upper limb, an indicator of increased extracellular fluid volume. The aim of this study was to determine the rates of lymphoedema identified by BIS using a prospective surveillance model and the effects of early treatment on patient outcomes.
Methods
Retrospective review of prospectively collected data was performed. Patients undergoing axillary surgery for breast cancer, from 2008-2013 were included. BIS measurements were recorded pre-operatively and at 3monthly intervals for one year. An abnormal reading instigated treatment with a compression sleeve, massage and exercise, regardless of clinical signs. Patients with continual abnormal BIS readings or development of clinical signs were referred to lymphoedema services.
Results
354 patients were included in the final analysis. 10.7% (n=38) of patients had an abnormal BIS reading indicating early lymphoedema whilst 6.5%(n=23) of patients required referral to specialist lymphoedema services. 75%(n=18) of patients referred to lymphoedema services had been initially identified by BIS. 58.8%(n=20) of patients who underwent early treatment did not require any long term management for lymphoedema.
Conclusions
Abnormal BIS is a significant predictor for development of subsequent lymphoedema. This can be utilised in a prospective surveillance model, to direct early therapy. Whilst this does not completely negate the incidence of lymphoedema requiring specialist treatment, it can potentially be reduced.
Code of conduct/disclaimer available in General Terms & Conditions
{{ help_message }}
{{filter}}